Gov't regrets releasing Orane's name

The Government has backtracked on a ministry paper, signed by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, which indicated businessman Douglas Orane was being named to the Labour Market Reform Commission (LMRC).

A release from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security stated that, having been proposed as the first chairman of the LMRC, Orane was unable to take up the appointment at this time.

Strongly recommended

"He was strongly recommended for the position by a wide cross-section of tripartite stakeholders. The release in the public domain of information surrounding this matter was pre-mature," the ministry said.

"The error is regretted," it added.

Cabinet had signed off on an 18-member board on October 6, and the ministry paper was laid in Parliament, over the signature of Simpson Miller.

The labour minister noted that Orane, the former chairman of GraceKennedy Group of Companies, has served with distinction on a number of boards and commissions in the past, and has contributed considerably in an advisory capacity to policy formulation for the restructuring of the public service and the role of Government.

It said a new chairman for the LMRC will be announced shortly.

The LMRC will review existing policies and practices with respect to five elements of the labour market. These include education and training, productivity, technology and innovation, labour policies and legislation, social protection and industrial relations.

The commission will make recommendations towards the modernisation of the labour market and improving the competitiveness of the Jamaican economy.